Whole home rewiring is one of the most significant electrical projects an Orange County homeowner can undertake — and one of the most important for long-term safety. Whether your home has aging knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum wiring from the 1970s, or you’re simply noticing the warning signs of an overloaded system, it’s natural to have questions before committing to a major project. O’Hagan Electric has answered the questions we hear most often from homeowners across Orange County, Irvine, Mission Viejo, and surrounding communities.
How much does whole home rewiring cost in Orange County?
Whole home rewiring in Orange County typically costs between $8,000 and $20,000, depending on the size of the home, the type of existing wiring being replaced, and the complexity of the job. Most homeowners pay around $3 to $8 per square foot for the rewiring work itself. A 1,500 sq ft home might run $6,000–$12,000, while a 3,000 sq ft home with multiple floors and complex wiring routes could exceed $18,000. Costs also vary based on whether your electrical panel needs upgrading at the same time (a common pairing), which adds $1,500–$4,000. O’Hagan Electric provides free, no-obligation estimates so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins.
How long does whole home rewiring take?
For most Orange County homes, a complete rewiring project takes 3 to 7 days of active work. A smaller single-story home of 1,200–1,500 sq ft may be completed in 3–4 days. Larger two-story homes, homes with finished walls that require more careful fishing of wires, or homes with older construction that complicates access, can take 5–7 days or longer. This timeline includes pulling all new wiring, installing updated outlets and switches, completing the panel connection, and coordinating the City of Irvine or applicable Orange County city inspection. Our crew works efficiently to minimize disruption to your household throughout the process.
Do I need to move out during the rewiring process?
In most cases, you do not need to move out during a whole home rewiring project, though there will be periods when power to specific areas of the home is off. Our electricians work room by room, coordinating with you so that critical areas like kitchens and bathrooms retain power as much as possible. There will typically be one full power shutoff for the panel connection and inspection. If you have young children, medical equipment that requires constant power, or other special circumstances, let us know upfront — we can discuss scheduling around your household’s needs. Many Orange County homeowners stay comfortably in their homes throughout the entire rewiring project.
What permits and inspections are required for rewiring in Orange County?
Whole home rewiring always requires a building permit from your local city — whether that’s Irvine, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, or another Orange County municipality — and a final electrical inspection before the project is considered complete. O’Hagan Electric handles the entire permit process for you, including application, coordination with the building department, and scheduling the final inspection. Our work is performed to NEC (National Electrical Code) standards with California-specific amendments, and we are fully licensed (License #1022498), bonded, and insured. Attempting to rewire without a permit is illegal and will create serious problems when you try to sell your home — always use a licensed electrician who pulls proper permits.
What’s the difference between knob-and-tube and aluminum wiring — and which is more dangerous?
Knob-and-tube wiring was used in homes built before the 1940s. It consists of single insulated conductors run through ceramic knobs and tubes, without a ground wire, and with insulation that becomes brittle and cracked over decades. It is not inherently dangerous if left entirely undisturbed, but it is incompatible with modern loads, cannot be insulated over safely, and poses a fire risk if modified or if insulation has degraded. Aluminum wiring was used in many Orange County homes built in the 1960s–70s as a cost-saving measure. Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper with heating and cooling cycles, which loosens connections over time and creates fire risks at outlets and fixtures. Both types warrant replacement — but aluminum wiring in homes from this era is particularly common in established OC neighborhoods like Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, and Lake Forest, and should be assessed by a licensed electrician as soon as possible.
Will outdated wiring affect my homeowner’s insurance?
Yes — many insurance carriers in California either refuse to cover or charge significantly higher premiums for homes with knob-and-tube, aluminum wiring, or electrical panels below 100 amps. When you apply for a new policy or renew an existing one, insurers increasingly require an electrical inspection. If they discover outdated wiring, they may require remediation before coverage continues, cancel your policy, or exclude fire losses related to electrical issues. After a whole home rewiring, you should notify your insurer — updated copper wiring and a new or upgraded panel often result in a premium reduction. O’Hagan Electric can provide documentation of completed work to assist with your insurance carrier’s requirements.
How do I know if I need full rewiring versus partial rewiring?
A full rewiring is typically recommended when the existing wiring is knob-and-tube, aluminum throughout the home, or the insulation on existing wiring is severely degraded and widespread. It is also appropriate when the home has consistent electrical problems (frequent trips, flickering lights, burning smells, multiple failing outlets) indicating systemic issues. Partial rewiring may be sufficient when problems are confined to specific circuits, rooms, or an addition — for example, upgrading the kitchen and bathrooms to meet modern circuit-load requirements, or bringing a specific circuit up to code for an EV charger installation. The best way to determine which is appropriate for your home is a thorough electrical inspection by a licensed electrician. O’Hagan Electric provides free assessments for Orange County homeowners.
Does O’Hagan Electric warranty its rewiring work?
Yes. O’Hagan Electric stands behind all rewiring work with a workmanship warranty, and all materials used carry manufacturer warranties. As a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor (License #1022498) with over 20 years serving Orange County and a 4.9-star rating across 473+ Google reviews, we are committed to work that is done right the first time. If any issue arises related to our workmanship after the project is complete, we will return to address it — that is our guarantee to every homeowner we serve. We encourage you to ask about warranty specifics when we provide your estimate, as coverage details may vary based on the scope of work.
Need Rewiring Help? Contact O’Hagan Electric
O’Hagan Electric is Orange County’s trusted choice for whole home rewiring, serving homeowners in Irvine, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, and throughout the region. With over 20 years of experience, License #1022498, and a 4.9-star reputation built on 473+ reviews, we’re ready to help you make your home safe and up to code. Call us at (949) 877-4945 for a free estimate, or reach out online to schedule your electrical assessment today.
